New EU Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation PPWR: What does it mean for shipping boxes?

Estimated reading time: 4 minutes

Transport packaging ensures that goods reach the customer undamaged by providing protection during the shipping process via additional packaging. On the other hand, more packaging causes more waste. That’s why the European Union wants to make a change; an EU regulation on packaging and packaging waste (PPWR) is on its way. The new regulation has not yet taken full effect, but it is already clear that it will have a significant impact on shipping cartons in the EU. What are the specifics of the new PPWR packaging regulation and what does it mean for your company? Here is a brief overview along with information on how right-sized packaging can help to reduce the empty volume of your boxes.

Background and Purpose - What you should know about the PPWR

The European Union's new Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) is set to significantly change the packaging landscape. Designed to minimise packaging waste and promote sustainability, this legislation addresses several issues that are relevant for transport packaging and their impact on packaging waste. The European Parliament voted in favour of PPWR in April 2024.

The Legislative addresses 

• Oversized packaging
• Excessive use of virgin materials
• Lack of adequate recycling targets and infrastructure
• Constant growth of generated packaging waste per person

Five Objectives of the PPWR

The Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) has several key objectives aimed at environmental and sustainability challenges:

• The transition to a circular economy and climate neutrality by 2050
• Packaging waste reduction
• The use of only recyclable packaging materials
• Reuse and refill of packaging (cardboard exempted)
• Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR)

When the regulation takes full effect (presumably in early 2025) all “economic operators” need to act swiftly and holistically; sticking with the status quo will no longer be an option, and more sustainable packaging solutions will become mandatory. The regulation aims to streamline recycling processes and reduce environmental impact. For companies, this means rethinking packaging strategies, investing in eco-friendly materials, and ensuring compliance to avoid penalties.

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When does the PPWR take full effect? The legislative roadmap

PPWR - Key deadlines

• Nov 2022: European Commission proposal to amend PPWD 2019
• Nov / Dec 2023: Adaptions by EU - European Parliament and the Council
• March 2024: Parliament and Council reach provisional agreement
• April 2024: Parliament votes in favor of adapted proposal
• Nov 2024: Legal-linguistic examinations & corrections
• Currently: Presumed approval adoption PPWR by Parliament and Council
• 2025: Goes live 20 days after publication in the EU Official Journal
• 2026: First applications start 18 months after entry into force

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‍Main Requirements of the PPWR

Packaging minimisation, size reduction (Articles 10, 24)

• Packaging must be designed / reduced to a minimum in terms of volume and weight
• From 2030, the empty space ratio of any packaging needs to no more than 50%
• Calculation methodology of ratio, documentationto be defined in implementing acts
• Applies to grouped packaging, transport packaging & e-commerce packaging

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‍Packaging waste prevention (Article 43)

• Each EU Member State required to reduce packaging waste per capita compared to 2018. The targets are:
• 5 % by 2030
• 10 % by 2035
• 15 % by 2040

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‍Recyclable packaging (Article 6)

• Defined targets for minimum recycled content in plastic packaging / any plastic part of packaging sold (Article 7)
• All packaging sold must be recyclable, including B2B packaging and eCommerce packaging

Reusable packaging (cardboard and paper exempted) (Articles 11, 26, 29)

• Ban of single use plastic packaging formats
• Ban of lightweight plastic carrier bags
• Reusable packaging must be designed on conditions such as multiple reuse, health, safety, and hygiene
• Operators need to ensure compliant systems for re-use and incentivise the collection of reusable material
• 40 % of transport packaging such as pallets, boxes, trays etc. need to within a re-use system, by 2030  
• From 2040 onward, 70 % of such items need to be reuseable

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Conclusion: What PPWR means for your company & How Packsize can help‍

The PPWR is a pivotal step towards a sustainable future, but its ambiguities present challenges for businesses. Clear guidelines on quota, measurements, implementation dates, labeling standards, and recyclable materials are still pending. Companies should stay informed, engage in consultations with industry experts, and develop flexible compliance plans. Investing in sustainable packaging solutions and seeking expert guidance will ensure smooth adaptation. Embracing these changes not only ensures compliance but also enhances brand reputation and appeals to eco-conscious consumers. By proactively addressing these challenges, businesses can turn regulatory compliance into a competitive advantage and contribute to a greener economy.

Packsize is developing a deep understanding of the regulation to create a roadmap for future action and be a trusted advisor. With us, you can learn more about how On Demand Packaging® can be a strategy to deliver more sustainable and right-sized packaging while also becoming "EU compliant". Stay up to date with us and find out what's new in PPWR.

Contact us today for a personalised analysis of your logistic processes and find out here what differentiates us from the competition and why Packsize is is a good choice to be your partner in packaging.

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